Best Electric Kettle in 2018 - Comprehensive Buying Guide and Reviews

For many of us, hot water is a daily part of our lives. Whether it’s having steaming water in the shower or making a cup of coffee in the morning, we tend to take hot water for granted. However, when it comes to bringing water to a boil, what method do you use? In many cases, a kettle will be the best option, since it can be much more convenient than anything else. If you want to take it a step further, then an electric kettle is the ultimate choice.

Today we’ll be looking at some of the best electric kettles on the market, as well as go over the features and benefits that you should pay attention to when making your final decision.

How to Choose an Electric Kettle

Material

First and foremost, you want to figure out how often you will be using your kettle and how reliable you want the device to be. If you only need it on a rare occasion, then you might be able to get something cheap and less durable since it won’t be used often. However, if you want a model that can be used day in and day out, you will have to pay attention to the kind of material used in making the kettle. There are three from which to choose, so let’s look at the benefits of each.

Stainless Steel

For our money, this is by far the best option, so if you can find a kettle that you like in stainless, then you should get it. What we like most about this material is that it won’t rust or corrode easily, it will last longer than anything else, and in most cases, you won’t get any added flavor or chemicals in your water, which can happen with other materials. Overall, this is a much more reliable material than the others.

Plastic

If cost is a defining factor for your decision, and if you don’t need to use your kettle very often, then plastic can be a good option for you. These are usually the cheapest out of all of the kettle materials, but you do get what you pay for. Usually, plastic kettles are prone to breaking down or leaching chemicals into your water over time, so you have to be careful. Also, depending on the setup of the kettle and the location of the heating element, it could damage the device by overheating it. Overall, we only recommend plastic versions if you are not going to use them on a frequent basis.

Glass

This material is a step above plastic, but it’s not quite as good as stainless steel. First of all, glass will always get hot when you boil water, and there is no way to avoid that side effect. Secondly, cheaper models will usually have plastic liners between the glass and the metal parts, meaning that you can still get chemicals leaching into your water. The benefit of this material, though, is that you can see your water level much more easily and higher end models don’t have a leaching problem, so it can still be a good option if you get a decent brand.

Wattage

When looking at kettles, you’ll notice that they will have a power rating in watts. The higher the number, the better it will be for heating. Most higher end models will have about 1500 watts or so, with lesser kettles having below a thousand. Ultimately, having more watts will enable you to heat the water faster and more reliably, so we suggest getting a unit with 1500 or more. However, if you don’t want scalding water, then a lower option may be better for you.

Size

Another primary factor to consider is how large the kettle is itself. This will dictate how much water you can boil at once, which can be a deciding factor depending on your needs. For example, if you are making tea or coffee for yourself, then a kettle with a liter or less of space will be just fine. However, if multiple people need hot water at once, something larger (like 1.5 liters or more) will be necessary.

Safety Features

Finally, because you’re dealing with hot water, you want to make sure that you’re not going to injure yourself every time you use the kettle. There are a few standard features that offer protection, as we have listed below.

Automatic Shutoff

You don’t want to risk your water over boiling and spilling out of the kettle. Thus, many devices have a sensor that turns the unit off when it reaches the right temperature so that you don’t have to worry about it.

Boil Dry Protection

Another issue is if you activate the kettle without water inside. Whether it’s absentmindedness or the water boils off on its own, this feature will ensure that you don’t have a heating element working overtime to heat something that isn’t there. In this case, the kettle will shut off if no water is present.

Thermal Insulation

For the most part, kettles are going to get hot no matter what. However, higher end models have Double-wall thermal insulation that prevents the exterior from getting too scorching so that you won’t have to worry about burns. If you have children who want to use the kettle, then we recommend getting this feature.

Recommended 10 Best Electric Kettle Reviews

If you want a bit of high technology with your kettle, then this model from Epica could be a great buy. It is a stainless steel unit with a sleek design and an integrated control panel on the handle. What makes this kettle great is that it comes with six preset options so that you can get the perfect temperature. While most other kettles will bring water to boiling, this can ensure that you don’t overheat when the occasion calls for less heat.

In addition to the programming performance, this kettle has everything else you need to get perfect results every time. The base is 360 degrees, meaning that you can place the device back in any position and it will still activate. Some kettles require you to put it back in a certain way, but not this one.

As far as safety goes, this unit comes with a stay cool handle, automatic shutoff when the water reaches temp, and boil-dry protection to prevent overheating with an empty tank. It also has a lid that opens automatically when you pour and a water level gauge so you can be as precise as you like. Overall, this is a fantastic kettle.

Next, we have yet another high-tech kettle that will turn your kitchen into a water boiling paradise. Much like the Epica above, this unit from Aicok is made with stainless steel parts and uses a six-preset control panel so you can choose the right temperature for your needs. Where this model stands apart, however, is that it comes with a ninety-second memory so you can replace the kettle after pouring without having to turn it back on. Also, it has the option to keep your water warm for up to two hours, which is helpful in an office setting where multiple people may pour a cup throughout the day.

Other features include automatic shutoff, a stay-cool handle, and boil dry protection. Additionally, you get a sleek water level gauge, a limescale filter to reduce residue over time, and an easy-open lid that makes this kettle a breeze to clean. Finally, a two-year warranty and a 30-day money back guarantee are always appreciated.

CONS

3. Molla Púro Cordless Glass Electric Water Kettle

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As we mentioned above, stainless steel is our preferred material for electric kettles, but there are some excellent glass ones that can be a great option for your kitchen. Case in point is this model from Molla. Using high-quality German-made tempered glass, you can get a lot out of this kettle without having to worry about any downsides.

Although the glass still does get hot, one thing that we like about this kettle is that it is BPA free. Some parts are plastic, but they will not leach any chemicals into your water. Also, the 1500 watt heating element means that you can get boiling water in a few minutes, which is amazing.

This kettle does not have preset options like the others, but it does have a light-up on/off button that is super easy to use.

Safety-wise, this kettle will shut off when the water is boiling, and it won’t activate if there is no water inside. Also, the handle stays cool all the time so you can pick it up without worry. Overall, if you like glass kettles, this is a great option.

CONS

4. OXO On Cordless Glass Electric Kettle, Stainless Steel

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Next, we have another glass model, meaning that you have a couple of options if you decide to go this route. While the materials are not quite as high end as the Molla above, you still get thick tempered glass that won’t break or leach chemicals into your water.

As far as performance goes, this unit has a 1500 watt heating element and a large 1.7-liter capacity. The LED switch turns blue when the kettle is on, and it will shutoff automatically when the temperature is reached.

Another cool feature of this device is that the glass has markings for precise measurement if you need it. Overall, this is a great glass kettle.

PROS

Sleek glass and steel kettle

1.75-liter capacity

​Soft open lid reduces splatter

Glass markings for precise measurement

LED power switch, so you know when the unit is on

​360-degree base

Insulated bottom and handle for easy pouring

Stainless steel filter purifies water as you pour

Automatic shutoff

Shockproof glass

1500 watt heating element

Two-year limited warranty

CONS

5. KitchenAid KEK1222SX 1.25-Liter Electric Kettle

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So far, we’ve seen models that are modern in both technology and design. However, if you want something decidedly more old-fashioned, then this kettle from KitchenAid can add a sense of class and intrigue to your kitchen. With an elegant shape and an assortment of brilliant colors, this is one of the most stylish kettles you can find.

Performance-wise, though, it does heat water rapidly with a 1500 watt element, but there are a couple of drawbacks. First of all, the lid is kind of small, and since the handle is directly over it cleaning can be somewhat of a hassle. However, if those things don’t bother you then you still get all of the modern features like automatic shutoff and boil dry protection.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for something that looks amazing, this is a great find.

CONS

6. Elementi Premier Electric Gooseneck Kettle

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Next, we have yet another kettle with a slightly classic design. This particular unit is built for coffee and tea mostly, which is evident by the unique gooseneck spout. The shape of the kettle is designed to allow for better pouring that lets you be precise without spilling. What that also means, though, is that this kettle is only made for beverages, not exactly hot water for other things like ramen or food.

Nonetheless, if coffee and tea are your primary reason for having this kettle, it still has everything you need.

A 1000 watt heating element gets your water to temp more evenly, and it also comes with all of the standard safety features like boil dry protection. Overall, if you want something elegant and practical, this is a great option.

If safety is your primary concern with your kettle, then this unit from Secura should be at the top of your list. Unlike the other units we’ve seen thus far, this kettle has double wall insulation, meaning that the outside stays cool to the touch even while the water is boiling. If you are worried about children or other people burning themselves on the kettle, this is a perfect way to combat that problem.

The other thing that we like about this unit is the extra wide opening. Some kettles have such a small lid that it can be hard to get in and clean it when necessary.

For this model, however, the top is as big as the rest of the device so you can wipe it down without any issues. Overall, this is probably one of the best kettles we’ve seen.

CONS

8. Ivation Precision-Temperature Electric Hot Water Tea Kettle

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Next, we have yet another kettle that comes with preset buttons for more variety in temperature. If that is something that you’re interested in, this unit from Ivation is a perfect way to ensure that you’re getting the right heat level each time you use the device. The buttons are located on the stay cool handle, and they are super easy to use, so you have no reason not to benefit from them.

Other than the preset function, this kettle comes with all the usual refinements. One other unique feature is the keep warm option which will hold your water at temp for up to two hours.

Thus, if you have people pouring throughout the day, this will be a great option for you. Safety is also standard with automatic shutoff and boil dry protection.

Much like the KitchenAid Kettle above, this next unit is designed to be both functional and stylish. With either a black or a cherry red finish, you can upgrade the look of your kitchen instantly with this kettle. It’s also a bit more compact than most of the other ones we’ve seen, making it a perfect addition for a single use household.

What we like most about this device is the rapid heating element. With the size of the unit, you can get piping hot water much faster than with other devices, making this one of the quickest options you can buy.

It also comes with standard features like an easy pour spout, a soft opening lid, and a water level gauge. Overall, this is a perfect kettle for apartment living.

CONS

10. Kitchen Gizmo Stainless Steel Double-Walled Electric Kettle

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Our final stop is with another stay cool kettle. Using double wall insulation, this unit won’t get hot on the outside, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to avoid burns or scalding. This device is a great option not only because of the insulation, but it’s performance as well.

The other thing we like about this kettle is the large lid that makes filling and cleaning the device so much easier. The cap is as wide as the rest of the device, meaning that you can reach in without any problems at all.

Not only that, but it comes with a warming feature that holds your water at temp for up to thirty minutes. In the end, this is a fantastic kettle for any safety-conscious users.

CONS

Final Verdict

After looking through all of these kettles, we have to say that our top two picks are the Secura Double Wall and the Epica 6-Temp Kettle﻿﻿s. We like the safety features of the Secura model, but we also like the convenience and versatility of the Epica Kettle, which allows you to heat the water exactly how you like it. Overall, these units will deliver the best results every time.